According to the World Health Organisation South Africans are some of the heaviest drinkers in the world, however there are signs that things may gradually be changing and that we may see a shift towards sobriety during this new decade. One of the key signs of this societal change is the rise of the so-called, Sober Curious Movement.
Janet Gourand, Founder of World Without Wine says that to be “sober curious” is to challenge the normalisation of alcohol, “It’s about having a choice – it’s about asking ourselves – what would my life look like if I removed the alcohol?”
She adds that the rise of the Sober Curious Movement is prompting people to examine their relationship with alcohol, particularly the younger generation. “We now have Millennial influencers and bloggers on Instagram who are championing alcohol-free living – conveying the message that its hip not to drink – and of course drunk is not a good look for selfies!”
Whilst Sober Curious seems to be the next essential step in the wellness revolution, how does one adopt this way of living without being a buzz-kill? Afterall, for decades a good party has been defined by good food and copious amounts of alcohol and anyone who doesn’t conform is labelled the all-time ‘Party Pooper’.
Janet, who will be hosting a World Without Wine workshop in Durban on 29 February 2020 at the Benjamin Hotel gives the following tips:
- Take your Alcohol-Free Drinks: Whether you are a bubbly, red wine, beer or G & T lover, there are always Alcohol-free versions available which will give you all the taste without the hangover!
- Fake it till you make it: Decant your alcohol-free drink into a glass and make sure that it’s always in your hand. People are less likely to bother you if you appear to be drinking. Then, slap a smile on your face and commit to an hour of making a real effort. Act like you’re expecting to have a great time – and you probably will!
- Party like a Celebrity: Pick and choose what event you attend – arrive late and leave early.
- Have your Reasons: If anyone spots your alcohol-free drink and asks why you’re not drinking just say “I’m on a health kick” or, better yet, tell your friends that you have become “Sober Curious”. Whatever you decide to say, stick to your guns. It will be hard the first time, but the more you do it, the more your friends and family will back off.
- Alcohol is not a Magic Potion: Remind yourself that it’s your friends, the music and the vibe that create the fun – not the contents of your glass. Use the opportunity to make new friends, work the room, dance until your feet hurt or tell a few jokes. You will be surprised at how much fun you can have sans alcohol, plus if your jokes are really bad – everyone will be too drunk to care!
“Some of the greatest lies that we’ve been told is that you need alcohol to have fun. Have you ever been to a 6-year-olds birthday party? No alcohol, oodles of fun. It IS possible!” Janet says. But, what if you try be sober curious and still land up being a party pooper? “If you find that have tried all the above and still not having a great time, not to worry! You will be 100% sober so you can simply drive yourself home to safety”, she concludes.
World Without Wine, a programme that offers a safe, no judgement place for people to moderate or quit drinking, will be holding their first workshop in Durban on 29 February 2020 at the Benjamin Hotel.
